Australian Cattle Dog
Blue Heeler / Australian Heeler / Queensland Heeler
Australia
Australian Cattle Dogs are known as the most
effecient stock dog breed in the world. Their
ease of training requires intermediate experience,
they are affectionate, playful and good with
children and other dogs. They don't shed year round
like most breeds do, so grooming isn't a problem.
The average life expectancy is around 12.5 years, the
average weight is around 30lbs, and the average height
is around 20in. Fur colors can be blue with white specks
and brown with white specks.
They have been known to be protective of their families
and territory, and live the best life with owners who
give them substantial exercise and lots of training.
Since they are working dogs, they are extremely happy
when doing work for their owners.
Australian Cattle Dogs were bred in the ninteenth century speciffically for the purpose of
working/herding cattle. They are descendants of a type of collie called a Smithfield. Lots
of breeding with different breeds resulted in the Australian Cattle Dog. First, a Smithfield
was bred awith an Austrailian dingo and those puppies were bred with Scottish collies which
resulted in the breed Hall's Heeler, which was later bred with a Dalmation, those puppies were
then bred with Kelpies which resulted in the popular Australian Cattle Dog we have today. The
first breed standard was created in 1902, then the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America officially
established the breed in the 1960's.
This breed is generally healthy, but there can be hereditary problems including hip and elbow
dysplasia, progressive retinol atrophy, and deafness.
More detailed information can be found at American Kennel Club.
